Are You A Carer?

Are you over 18 and look after someone who couldn’t manage without your help?

A carer is a person who provides care for someone who, because of old age, disability, a long term illness, mental health condition, or addiction, is not able to care for themselves without support. The type of care you give may include: washing, dressing, bathing, feeding, supervision, ensuring safety, helping someone manage their financial/domestic affairs, or mental health support.

At Caring for Carers, we understand how difficult looking after someone can be and we’re here to help.

In Plymouth there are estimated to be up to 29,000 carers who look after someone else, but only a fraction of them are known to support services. Many people who provide this unpaid care do not see themselves as carers. Also, many who are in a caring role do not know where to go for information or support.

People who provide high levels of care can often find their own needs are neglected with the demands of the role affecting their career, finances and relationships. This can have a detrimental effect on their physical and emotional well being.

Unsurprisingly, carers are twice as likely to suffer ill health compared to those who do not have caring responsibilities.

At Caring for Carers we support unpaid carers through the provision of:

Statutory Carers Assessment

Information and Advice

Drop-in/Support Groups

Leisure and Social Activities

Workshops and Training Opportunities

Carers Card Discounts

Regular Newsletters

If you think you may be a carer or know someone who is and you would like to talk about your caring role and have an opportunity to meet with a Carers Support Coordinator please contact us at Caring for Carers on 01752 201890 or email us at caringforcarers@improvinglivesplymouth.org.uk

If you are a carer who is looking after someone who lives outside of Plymouth please click on the areas below to be directed to support services in your area

Here are a few useful links to information for Carers who are supporting someone who lives outside of Plymouth